Very special event for pet-owners

Do you have a dog? If so, get along to Hever Castle later this month for the first-ever Dog Walking Day.

The free event has been organised by the Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog-welfare charity, and outdoor retailer Mountain Warehouse, and will be starting at Hever Castle.

Dog-owners are encouraged to pre-register for the event to guarantee their free place at www.mountainwarehouse.com/dogs for what is promised to be a fun, family-friendly day out.

Walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome and can choose a three- or five-mile route, with groups setting off every half-hour between 10am and 2pm on Sunday, April 27.

All participants will receive a free doggy bag with goodies for two- and four-legged walkers.

An Event Village will feature activities for people and dogs to enjoy, while participants will also be able to take advantage of a two-for-one offer to explore the castle and its gardens.

Clarissa Baldwin, Dogs Trust chief executive, said: “Anyone who has owned a dog will know that they can make wonderful personal trainers and get you out walking come rain or shine.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Mountain Warehouse for this Dog Walking Day and would encourage anyone who loves walking, dogs, or both to sign up for a place. It promises to be a great day out for everyone taking part.”

In conjunction with Dog Walking Day, Mountain Warehouse is running a photo competition to find the country’s top dogs.

Entrants can upload their pooch pics to www.mountainwarehouse.com/dogphotos and share their entries on social media.

‘Strike a Paws’ is open to everyone, even those not taking part in the event, and will choose a weekly winner to take home mountains of dog-walking goodies. The overall winner, to be selected at Dog Walking Day, will win a dog-friendly walking holiday courtesy of Forest Holidays.